Program Set For Heart of America Dairy Expo

Program Set For Heart of America Dairy Expo

The program is set for the new multi state regional Heart of America Dairy Expo and trade show scheduled for January 25-26, 2013 at the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri. It is open to all dairy farmers and allied industry.

"The Friday January 25 morning program kicks off with Dr. Max Hawkins of Noblesville, Indiana, who will present "Nutrition Technology Opportunity in a Challenging Crop Year," says Dave Drennan, Expo Sales Manager. "This is a very timely subject for dairy farmers considering the effects of the summer drought on our available feed supply. Dr. Hawkins was raised on a grain/livestock farm in Illinois that included cattle feeding, cow/calf production, and purebred swine and sheep. Prior to joining the Dairy Technical Staff at Alltech he worked in the feed industry in technical sales positions with Hubbard Feeds and Micron Bio-Systems.

"Following Dr. Hawkins will be Dr. Michael K. Moore, DVM, Novartis Animal Health, with a question "Are Your Vaccinations Causing Reproduction Problems", says Drennan. "Reproduction success is a key ingredient to a successful dairy farm. Dr. Moore’s involvement with Novartis has given him the opportunity to present programs to veterinarians and producer groups. He has been active in training new territory managers on subjects ranging from basic immunology to various cattle diseases.

"The Friday morning program concludes with Rick Short of Central Life Sciences from Romance, Arkansas addressing "Heifer Mastitis-Economics, Prevention, Treatment".

"Brown has worked with the U.S. Congress over the past two decades in determining the quantitative effects of changes in dairy and livestock policies and has testified regarding dairy and livestock policy issues before House and Senate Agriculture committees. He has also worked on the economic effects of industry led programs such as the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) that currently operates in the dairy industry.

"A top producer panel will follow lunch and feature four Missouri dairy farmers talking about what they did this summer to combat the effects of the drought on their dairy herd and their plans for 2013. The panel will represent all options for dairy farming, from rotational grazing to an inside feeding operation, and be moderated by Joe Horner of the University of Missouri.

"Following the producer panel will be Dana Brooks, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in Washington DC. Brooks will speak to "Dairy Policy--Where Do We Go From Here?"

"Where we go from here in dairy policy is top of mind for dairy farmers who have been over the widely quoted "fiscal cliff" and back up several times this year," says Drennan. "After reaching monumental consensus across the country for new dairy policy in the Dairy Security Act proposed in the Farm Bill, dairy farmers expected Congress to act quickly and pass the Farm Bill.

"Brooks will cover the options we face now based on her experience with NMPF since 2009 in the day to day politics of Washington," says Drennan.

"Missouri's five dairy breed organizations will hold their annual meetings and board meetings Saturday morning January 26 followed by a luncheon sponsored by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and the Missouri Soybean Program.

"In addition, the Expo's trade show will feature the latest dairy technology and information from over 50 exhibitors.

"Registration is free for dairy farmers and their families but meal reservations are required for the Friday and Saturday luncheons. For more information and reservations, attendees can register online at www.heartofamericadairy.org Allied industry registrations are $40.00 for the two day Expo unless they are an exhibitor or sponsor of the Expo," says Drennan.

"Hotel reservations for the Expo may be made online at oasis@springfieldoasis.com or by calling 417/866-5253 or 888/532-4338 and ask for the special rate for the Heart of America Dairy Expo room block.

"We hope all dairy farmers and their families in the Midwest will join us at Expo, and maybe also take in the many attractions at Branson which is only 45 miles from Springfield.

"Additional questions may be directed to dairystl@aol.com or 636/519-9300," says Drennan.